For those without previous experience, the idea of visiting Western Europe’s highest mountain range seems, at a glance, both a bit daunting and pretty unobtainable. The closest most travellers get, aside from skiing enthusiasts that visit the chic pistes of Chamonix or Courmayeur twice a year, is an incredible view in the distance – the dramatic, crisp, white peaks of awe and mystery from the edge of Lake Geneva. This sense of elitism is beginning to thaw, with trekking becoming more and more popular, and it is proving a fantastic way to experience the sights of Mont Blanc at close range without heavy experience in the climbing department. The summer months see refuges and auberge along the circular trail welcoming teams of ruddy-cheeked, healthy and accomplished walkers needing to replenish, recharge and bed-down for the night.
Although most of us are not mountaineers or climbers, a few weekends scrambling experience on home turf is usually ample training to embark on an eleven day tour around the Mont Blanc massif. The Tour du Mont Blanc traverses through France, Switzerland and Italy, with trekking teams covering an average of ten miles hike each day. The entire trip covers a whopping 165km, and each destination has been carefully picked to avoid over saturation of tourists, while enabling the walking party the very best views of the region.
Although there are many who choose to take this tour unguided, the reassurance of a specialised, fully organised itinerary and personal guide immediately puts to rest any anxiety experienced when attempting your own plan. Reservations for the best rated auberge or hotel in various broken French or pigeon Italian is confusing, tedious and time-consuming. An organised tour through Salamander Adventures makes it easy, their itinerary takes care of pit-stops, luggage and even daily sustenance, making those with a penchant for getting away from the hum-drum and relentlessness of home for nearly two weeks an appealing prospect. They merely need to concentrate on one thing – the view.
Reviewers often mention their newfound positivity, tranquility and headspace, becoming re-acquainted with the natural world – whether it be the vibrant colours of rolling green pastures, crystalline alpine lakes and stark, powerful, glacier constructs showing the wrath of time – this part of the world seems to deeply affect all who visit.
Salamander Adventure Tour du Mont Blanc organises the most impressive and comprehensive circular tour of the Mont Blanc massif, with the seventh day comprising a well-deserved day off in La Palud. Beginning in France, the group spend a day or two in Argentieres, acclimatising themselves with their nearby surroundings while filling sluggish, neglected lungs with the purest air on the planet. They visit the glimmering mirror – or the stunning Lac Blanc, before embarking on the next ten days venture. The Mont Blanc tour is one of the most famous, treasured walking trails on Earth.
Groups have the option to have a fully experienced and qualified guide to provide inside knowledge, historical and geographical points of interest, or instead, parties may choose to follow the famous yellow diamond signs around the trail themselves, aiming to reach a reserved hotel for the night. Upon each completed stage, the evening brings its own camaraderie and heartiness, with abundant and country-appropriate cuisine, traditional culture and, of course, locally produced drinks served up as a night-cap.
Reflection
The Mont Blanc tour is even more tempting due to its proximity. An hour and a half from any UK to Geneva airport means this incomprehensibly beautiful part of the world is within easy reach. With prices beginning from £999, the incredibly reasonable financial cost for a fully organised itinerary, versus the personal sense of accomplishment and gain on such a plight, makes this trip priceless. The sheer beauty of the Mont Blanc face is unforgettable, making all those who sign-up happy and grateful to spend time in this unspoilt, protected snow-peaked heaven on Earth. Whether craving a slower pace of life, or wanting a story to tell your loved ones, walking the Tour du Mont Blanc is a profound experience that will remain in one’s mind, forever.
For more information, contact the very helpful experts at https://tourdumontblanc.holiday
